December 19th 2024.
The man accused of the devastating domestic violence murder of Molly Ticehurst is now facing additional charges of sexual assault. The court has decided that he will undergo a mental health assessment before his trial begins. The accused, 29-year-old Daniel Billings, is charged with the murder of 28-year-old Ticehurst, whose body was tragically discovered in her home in Forbes, New South Wales in the early hours of April 22nd.
In addition to the murder charge, Billings is also facing accusations of breaching an apprehended violence order and not complying with bail conditions. It's been reported that at the time of Ticehurst's murder, Billings was out on bail for previous charges related to her, including three counts of sexual intercourse without consent and four counts of stalking and intimidating her. He was also facing charges of destroying property, including a car window and her home, as well as aggravated animal cruelty towards her beloved dachshund puppy.
During a court hearing at Parkes Local Court, it was revealed that Billings is now facing even more charges, including one count of aggravated sexual assault, sexual intercourse without consent, and two more counts of destroying property. These charges were formally confirmed, though Billings was not present via audio-video link. His Legal Aid solicitor, Diane Elston, informed the court that she has been made aware of the specifics of the prosecution's case.
Elston also requested that Billings undergo a mental health assessment, which was not possible previously. Ticehurst's family was present in the courtroom to witness the proceedings, but Billings was not able to hear the charges against him. It's been reported that Billings had been granted bail by a registrar at Dubbo Local Court just two weeks before the tragic murder took place.
Ticehurst's death has sparked a movement against gendered violence and has led to changes in bail laws by the New South Wales government. Billings' case has been adjourned until March 21st. In the meantime, support is available for those affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, and family violence through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT.
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